Last words - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

The Apostle Paul writes: For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ... For I am hardpressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
Philippians 1:21, 23

Last words
An art collector lay on his deathbed. The priest summoned to his side held a crucifix before his eyes. With an interested gaze, the dying man examined it and whispered, “Ivory ... 18th century ... of moderate value.” With that, he closed his eyes and let his head sink onto the pillow. He was dead.

His entire life had been devoted to the study of objects of art. He could categorise each item into the correct era, assess its value, and most often even name the artist. Even on the threshold of death, his mind could not separate itself from this passion.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being a professional in one’s field. In fact, it is often very useful. But should my profession or hobby dominate me to the extent that – even on my deathbed! –I think of nothing else? That would be tragic!

The Bible tells of people who, at the end of their lives, directed their focus to the truly important things. For example, Paul in today’s verse: he had Christ in mind. And when the Old Testament patriarch Jacob was dying, he prayed to God. Even Joseph, his son, did not end his life by recounting his glorious past as Egypt’s prime minister, but rather thought of the life to come. Thus, he ordered that his body be buried in the “promised land”. When the Lord Jesus Jesus hung on the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do”, and shortly after, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (cf. Hebrews 11:21; Genesis 50:25; Luke 23:34, 46).

What will occupy my mind just before my death?

Today’s reading: Exodus 35:1-19 · Luke 15:20-32